Inspiration for a modern galley eat-in kitchen in Manchester with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, mirror splashback, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Radlett Open Plan Kitchen

The Wood Works

Paul M Craig
This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Hertfordshire with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Cleveland Kitchen

Michael Christopher Design

Tony Dailo
Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen pantry in Brisbane with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, mirror splashback, black appliances, concrete floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.

Kitchens

Gail Marsden Interior Design

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Manchester with grey cabinets, with island, white benchtop, mirror splashback, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black appliances, marble floors and grey floor.

Paradise Residence

Starbox Architecture

Mike Nesham
Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary Grey Kitchen

Tom Howley

The Hartford collection is an inspired modern update on the classic Shaker style kitchen. Designed with simplicity in mind, the kitchens in this range have a universal appeal that never fails to delight. Each kitchen is beautifully proportioned, with an unerring focus on scale that ensures the final result is flawless. The impressive island adds much needed extra storage and work surface space, perfect for busy family living. Placed in the centre of the kitchen, it creates a hub for friends and family to gather. A large Kohler sink, with Perrin & Rowe taps creates a practical prep area and because it’s positioned between the Aga and fridge it creates an ideal work triangle.

Sophistication

Mowlem & Co

The result of a close collaboration between designer and client, this stylish kitchen maximises the varying heights and shapes of the space to create a blend of relaxed, open-plan charm and functionally distinct working and living zones. The thoughtful updating of classic aesthetics lends the room a timeless beauty, while a tonal range of warm greys creates a subtle counterpoint to distinctive accents such as brass fittings and sliding ladders. An abundance of light graces the space as it flows between the needs of chic entertaining, informal family gatherings and culinary proficiency. Plentiful – and occasionally quirky – storage also forms a key design detail, while the finest in materials and equipment make this kitchen a place to truly enjoy. Photo by Jake Fitzjones

East Village

CM Natural Designs

These young hip professional clients love to travel and wanted a home where they could showcase the items that they've collected abroad. Their fun and vibrant personalities are expressed in every inch of the space, which was personalized down to the smallest details. Just like they are up for adventure in life, they were up for for adventure in the design and the outcome was truly one-of-kind. Photos by Chipper Hatter

Kitchen in the Woods

Design Perspective Interior Design, LLC

Our clients wanted to update their kitchen and create more storage space. They also needed a desk area in the kitchen and a display area for family keepsakes. With small children, they were not using the breakfast bar on the island, so we chose when redesigning the island to add storage instead of having the countertop overhang for seating. We extended the height of the cabinetry also. A desk area with 2 file drawers and mail sorting cubbies was created so the homeowners could have a place to organize their bills, charge their electronics, and pay bills. We also installed 2 plugs into the narrow bookcase to the right of the desk area with USB plugs for charging phones and tablets. Our clients chose a cherry craftsman cabinet style with simple cups and knobs in brushed stainless steel. For the countertops, Silestone Copper Mist was chosen. It is a gorgeous slate blue hue with copper flecks. To compliment this choice, I custom designed this slate backsplash using multiple colors of slate. This unique, natural stone, geometric backsplash complemented the countertops and the cabinetry style perfectly. We installed a pot filler over the cooktop and a pull-out spice cabinet to the right of the cooktop. To utilize counterspace, the microwave was installed into a wall cabinet to the right of the cooktop. We moved the sink and dishwasher into the island and placed a pull-out garbage and recycling drawer to the left of the sink. An appliance lift was also installed for a Kitchenaid mixer to be stored easily without ever having to lift it. To improve the lighting in the kitchen and great room which has a vaulted pine tongue and groove ceiling, we designed and installed hollow beams to run the electricity through from the kitchen to the fireplace. For the island we installed 3 pendants and 4 down lights to provide ample lighting at the island. All lighting was put onto dimmer switches. We installed new down lighting along the cooktop wall. For the great room, we installed track lighting and attached it to the sides of the beams and used directional lights to provide lighting for the great room and to light up the fireplace. The beautiful home in the woods, now has an updated, modern kitchen and fantastic lighting which our clients love.

BUTLERS PANTRY

Donna Guyler Design

Interior Design by Donna Guyler Design
Design ideas for a large contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Gold Coast - Tweed with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, mirror splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Austin Penthouse

McWalters Collaborative

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped separate kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, mirror splashback, with island, stainless steel cabinets, marble benchtops, metallic splashback, coloured appliances, light hardwood floors and brown floor.

Cheshire Home Ground Floor

Cream & Black Interior Design

Chris Snook
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, solid surface benchtops, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, grey floor, grey cabinets and a peninsula.

Fitzroy North House

MMAD Architecture

The kitchen becomes another furniture piece morphing to become the stair and divides the dining and lounge. The void above is open the the study landing maintaining a connection between the floor levels. Image by: Jack Lovel Photography

Brisbane CBD - Apartment

Kim Duffin for Sublime Luxury Kitchens & Bathrooms

This sky home with stunning views over Brisbane's CBD, the river and Kangaroo Point Cliffs captures the maturity now found in inner city living in Brisbane. Originally from Melbourne and with his experience gain from extensive business travel abroad, the owner of the apartment decided to transform his home to match the cosmopolitan lifestyle he has enjoyed whilst living in these locations. The original layout of the kitchen was typical for apartments built over 20 years ago. The space was restricted by a collection of small rooms, two dining areas plus kitchen that did not take advantage of the views or the need for a strong connection between living areas and the outdoors. The new design has managed to still give definition to activities performed in the kitchen, dining and living but through minimal detail the kitchen does not dominate the space which can often happen in an open plan. A typical galley kitchen design was selected as it best catered for how the space relates to the rest of the apartment and adjoining living space. An effortless workflow is created from the start point of the pantry, housing food stores as well as small appliances, and refrigerator. These are within easy reach of the preparation zones and cooking on the island. Then delivery to the dining area is seamless. There are a number of key features used in the design to create the feeling of spaces whilst maximising functionality. The mirrored kickboards reflect light (aided by the use of LED strip lighting to the underside of the cabinets) creating the illusion that the cabinets are floating thus reducing the footprint in the design. The simple design philosophy is continued with the use of Laminam, 3mm porcelain sheets to the vertical and horizontal surfaces. This material is then mitred on the edges of all drawers and doors extenuate the seamless, minimalist, cube look. A cantilevered bespoke silky oak timber benchtop placed on the island creates a small breakfast/coffee area whilst increasing bench space and creating the illusion of more space. The stain and other features of this unique piece of timber compliments the tones found in the porcelain skin of the kitchen. The half wall built behind the sinks hides the entry point of the services into the apartment. This has been clad in a complimentary laminate for the timber benchtop . Mirror splashbacks help reflect more light into the space. The cabinets above the cleaning zone also appear floating due to the mirrored surface behind and the placement of LED strip lighting used to highlight the perimeter. A fully imported FALMAC Stainless Rangehood and flyer over compliments the plasterboard bulkhead that houses the air conditioning whilst providing task lighting to the island. Lighting has been used throughout the space to highlight and frame the design elements whist creating illumination for all tasks completed in the kitchen. Achieving "fluid motion" has been a major influence in the choice of hardware used in the design. Blum servo drive electronic drawer opening systems have been used to counter act any issues that may be encounter by the added weight of the porcelain used on the drawer fronts. These are then married with Blum Intivo soft close drawer systems. The devil is in the detail with a design and space that is so low profile yet complicated in it's simplicity. Steve Ryan - Rix Ryan Photography

Wicker Park Residence

Rugo/ Raff Ltd. Architects

Photo by Jamie Padgett
Photo of a traditional u-shaped kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Rochelle East

Signature Interior Designs

Large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

Kentfield Home

Petersen Design Associates, LLC

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Charlie Kingham | Guildford

A wonderful Charlie Kingham bespoke kitchen design. Traditional hardwood shaker style kitchen. A Farrow & ball No.4 'Old White' hand painted finish, an island with breakfast bar (F&B No. 25 Pigeon), Integrated larder, Fridge Freezer and wine cooler, Falcon range cooker and large shaker sink.

SieMatic Stilwelt | PURE

SieMatic - moebelplus Deutschland GmbH & Co KG

Inspiration for a large contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Munich with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, black splashback, mirror splashback, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Nevern

Jess Lavers Design

Photo of a contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in London with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances and no island.

Kitchen with Mirror Splashback and Slate Splashback Design Ideas

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to planning your kitchen design. Where do you even start? Gathering some inspiration in a photo gallery is always a good starting point, as looking at different kitchen designs often brings up ideas you haven’t even thought of yet.

Browse Photos of Kitchen Designs for Inspiration and Collect Your Ideas

You can browse through photos of all kinds of kitchen styles, layouts and sizes on Houzz to get started before jumping into any design software or contacting a local professional for help. Here’s a few considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen.

1. What Makes a Good Kitchen Design, and Why is it Important?

For starters, you want to find a balance between aesthetics and function. You may have heard of the ‘kitchen work triangle’, which refers to the space between your fridge, sink and stove. You want everything within easy reach when you’re working in the kitchen and look beautiful at the same time. It’s a good idea to take note of both when browsing our photo gallery.

2. Consider Your Space to Determine Your Kitchen Layout

Firstly, consider the space you have, and the limitations that come with it. Do you have a small kitchen and need to maximise your workspace and storage? Can you allow yourself some more space and a big island with seating? Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or renovating an existing design? Which appliances do you already own and what are their measurements? Are there windows you need to take into consideration when planning cabinets? How do kitchen, living and dining areas connect? Depending on your space and needs, you want to use a shape that suits you. U, G, or L-shaped kitchen, with or without island or peninsula? Know your dimensions, plan cabinetry carefully and consider the placement of your appliances. You don’t want to end up with a finished design, only for your significant other to question where the fridge is supposed to go. Consider from the start where your fridge, oven, microwave and sink goes to save yourself from starting again from scratch - remember the kitchen work triangle! You also want to plan the layout of your cabinets. Maybe you’re planning for a pantry and can do with less storage space in your kitchen, so that your design can be one without upper or lower cabinets for a different look. A corner cabinet can be a smart storage solution if you want to keep the look clean and simple.

3. Decide on a Kitchen Style, But Don’t Forget Practicality

You want the style of your kitchen to reflect your personality and taste. We have curated a large array of kitchen styles here at Houzz, from traditional to contemporary to transitional and everything in between. Consider what your cooking style is for a start - Italy is known for its cuisine, so italian kitchen designs are generally popular. Also consider ergonomics - depending on how much time you spend in your kitchen, the height of your counters can make a big difference to your overall health. You also want to consider colour and finishes of cabinets, countertops and splashbacks. Which colour do you want your cupboards to be? Simple, timeless white or rather making a statement in black? Maybe rather a rustic wood? Also consider the colour of your floor - if you have dark floors, you may want to keep cabinets lighter. You could also go for an all-white look and choose black appliances for contrast. Once you know which style you fancy, don’t forget how you will be using the space. You want to keep cooking in mind, as well as how easy to clean and maintain the space will be. How many cooks do you need to accommodate? Do you have kids around? How much storage do you need? Maybe you want to go for open shelves rather than cabinets and allow for easy reach of key items you use when cooking. Again - remember the triangle! Lastly, choose lighting that both enhances the look of your kitchen as well as your cooking performance, providing light in all the right places.

4. Be Conscious of Your Budget

No matter what you plan for your kitchen design, cost is always a big factor. Be sure to plan with your budget in mind. It may make more sense to go for a modular kitchen design rather than custom build. You can save a lot of money if you get at least 3 estimates from professionals before locking in the job. And don’t forget to allow a 20% buffer for emergencies. Once you are ready to hire a pro, our directory will help you find one, no matter where you are. So whether you're looking for an Interior Designer in Melbourne or an Architect in Sydney, you can be sure to find a qualified expert for the job!